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The latest version of open-source database PostgreSQL is now available, this time bringing with it new hot standby and replication capabilities.
In 9.0, users can find more than a dozen major features touching on everything from security to performance. The replication and hot standby enhancements, however, have garnered the most attention. The streaming replication technology allows continuous archive (WAL) files to be streamed over a network connection to a standby server. Hot standby, meanwhile, enables continuous archive standby servers to execute read-only queries.
“The built-in replication in 9.0 and ability to query a hot standby have been the most requested PostgreSQL features for many years,” said Simon Riggs, CTO of 2ndQuadrant and lead contributor to hot standby, in a statement. “Efficient, low latency streaming replication protects your data better, while hot standby significantly reduces total cost of ownership. In proprietary products, this capability is an add-on which costs thousands of dollars.”
PostgreSQL 9.0 also includes 64-bit Windows support conditional and per-column triggers, high-performance event messaging, and other capabilities. Users of PostgreSQL 8.3 and 8.4 also will be able to take advantage of an upgrade-in-place capability.
“We are very excited about the new features. … In particular, we look forward to the deferrable unique constraints as an opportunity to speed up updates and upgrades for our customers,” said Paolo Juvara, CTO of OpenBravo, in a statement.
